Orly Retrowave - Summer 2020 - Swatches & Review

Press Sample

It's nearly the end of May, we've just 'celebrated' the unofficial start to summer that is Memorial Day weekend, and it's time to break out those brights! (I mean, I'll break them out all year round, because I'm a damn rebel Dottie.) The latest collection from ORLY delivers on brights in a big way, giving us retina-searing shades of green, yellow, turquoise and coral that are grounded by deep, traditionally fall-inspired hues of slate and berry. I think it's safe to say I'll be using the collection this summer and well beyond–the extreme brights play nicely with the deeper tones, and boys and girls, these neons don't need undies. Read on for swatches and thoughts on the collection!



Gotta Bounce


Deep slate creme

Dusty navy/slate that is a perfect shade to play off of the super bright neons that make up the rest of the collection. I totally dig these kinds of colors year round, and was surprised (and happy) to see this in a summer collection! This one was quite opaque, and likely could cover in 1 coat, depending how you polish.

Opacity scale (1-5): 3.5

Finish: creme, 1-2 coats to be opaque



Far Out

Bright turquoise creme

Just this side of neon, this crazy bright turquoise creme is THE color for summer. it reminds me of pool days, lounging in the sun (with tons of sunscreen, obvi). I know that this isn't something I normally do, but I hear other people like that whole 'sun' thing. lol

Opacity scale (1-5): 2.5

Finish: creme, 2 coats to be opaque



So Fly

Neon lime creme

Oh, my eyesssss! This polish is so bright, and makes me think of day glow outfits and blacklight posters. Need a tan? Here it is in a bottle! :D I'm super stoked on the neons in this collection - I mean, how often do you find neons that don't need undies? This covered in 2 coats - that's practically unheard of.

Opacity scale (1-5): 2.5

Finish: creme, 2 coats to be opaque



Oh Snap

Neon yellow creme

While this one was a little streaky, it still didn't require undies. I mean, you could use a white polish underneath, or you could go commando, the choice is up to you, kids. Another eye-searing shade to add to my retro arsenal, and really, WHERE IS MY BLACKLIGHT?!

Opacity scale (1-5): 2.25

Finish: creme, 2-3 coats to be opaque



Hot Pursuit

Neon coral creme

Tend to lean toward the more 'traditional' shades of polish, but wanna punch up your tasteful coral for summer? Here you go- this one will burn holes into the eyes of your enemies and ex-lovers, so beware, and be sure to wear protection. (eye protection, of course) A blindingly bright coral is sure to amp up any summer ensemble.

Opacity scale (1-5): 2.5

Finish: creme, 2 coats to be opaque



Psych!

Medium mulberry creme

This one feels a little out of place in this collection, but Ill be honest, I'm not mad about it. It's a gorgeous, rich berry that would be the perfect transition into fall. It has an ever-so-slight hint of neon grapey-ness to it, and on it's own, or paired with Hot Pursuit, I'm here for it.

Opacity scale (1-5): 2.25

Finish: creme, 2-3 coats to be opaque


I think it's safe to say that I am in love with this collection - I knew I would be the second I took it out of the package. The colors, while somewhat 'traditional' for summer, offer up a twist in the form of deeper shades to complement the brightness of the neons. Plus, who doesn't love neons you can do nail art with? Obviously this nail blogger sure does. ;)

You can find these polishes direct from ORLY's site - I've linked each shade above. They retail for $9.50, but rumor has it, there is currently 30% site wide! (I don't know how long that will last, so run–don't walk!

What are your favorite shades from Retrowave? Tell me below in the comments! :)

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own. 

1 comment

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